maestro
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a famous and talented person who leads an orchestra or writes music.
a distinguished conductor or composer of classical music. Often used as a title of respect.
Simple“The maestro raised his baton, and the orchestra began to play.”
In context“After the final performance, the maestro was greeted with a ten-minute standing ovation from the appreciative audience.”
UsageOften used as a title before a surname or as a direct form of address.
- 02 C1 Advanced
someone who is extremely skilled at a specific job or activity.
a person who has mastered a specific art, craft, or professional field.
Simple“My uncle is a maestro in the kitchen and can cook anything.”
In context“The lead developer was considered a maestro of coding, capable of solving complex architectural issues in a matter of hours.”
Teacher's tipWhen used outside of music, this term often carries a light, slightly playful tone of high praise.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a slang term for a powerful leader or elder within a prison gang.
a high-ranking member or elder within a prison hierarchy or gang structure.
Simple“In the movie, the maestro controlled everything that happened inside the prison walls.”
In context“The documentary explored how the maestro maintained order among the inmates through a complex system of loyalty and fear.”
“Soumik Datta, maestro of Indian classical stringed instrument the sarod, releases his nature-inspired latest album, Melodies in Slow Motion.”
Borrowed from Italian maestro, from Latin magistrum (“master”). Doublet of magister, master, and meister.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.